THE SHAPESHIFTERS LAUNCH NEW RESTAURANT & MUSIC VENUE

Max Reich and Simon Marlin, aka chart-topping house music duo The Shapeshifters, have founded Rubio, a cool new restaurant-cum-music venue in north west London

Nine albums, 28 singles and 20 years of chart-topping house music. You’d think Max Reich had plenty on his plate already, but it seems he isn’t done with his enterprises yet. After conquering the music world as one half of house music duo The Shapeshifters, Max has turned his attention to the London food scene. He has opened Rubio, a restaurant that combines the self-confessed foodie’s love of the culinary world with music.

The restaurant opened in the first week of September in 2016. Despite Max’s successful music career, it has always been something of a dream of his to open his own restaurant. Simon Marlin – the other half of The Shapeshifters – helped him bring his dream to life in the thriving heart of the West End of London.

Unsurprisingly for Max, it’s as much about the music as it is about the food. The chilled, laid-back atmosphere is helped by a little DJ booth and regular visits from DJs or cool, alternative acoustic indie bands. It’s not an open mic night however – this is Max’s project and a manifestation of the place he has always dreamed of relaxing.

Rubio restaurant brings good eats and beats to Harlesden

‘We are adamant that it is a perfect experience for the customer as soon as doors open,’ he says, ‘whether it be the menu, the coffee, the music or the service, all here are as important as the other.’

The food and coffee certainly hasn’t been overlooked. During the day, breakfast, brunch and lunch are available from the menu bursting with options. There’s a small break between 3pm and 5pm as the kitchen staff get ready for the evening, and from 5pm Rubio becomes a haven for lovers of sourdough and pizzas, with vegan options available.

The restaurant is kitted out with a superb sound system and studio monitors, and Max’s passions are evident – if not only from the vinyl wall with over 80 vinyl records plastered to it

A bar full of wine and cocktails makes sure nobody ever goes thirsty, and an extensive outdoor terrace makes for a welcoming place to spend time when the summer months warm up.

Of course, the music part of the Rubio experience receives just as much attention as the food and drink. The restaurant is kitted out with a superb sound system and studio monitors, and Max’s passions are evident – if not only from the vinyl wall with over 80 vinyl records plastered to it.

Read more

It’s certainly ticking all the boxes to become the new trendy hotspot for London’s music and food scene. A cool, quirky vibe and a six-minute drive from Notting Hill make this the perfect place for young professionals to wind down in the evening. And with the music playing until 11pm there’s always time for another drink.

Although Max is the owner, Simon’s huge role in the business is undeniable. The pair have been business partners since 1996, working on various different things together, and Max’s restaurant was the next stage in a natural progression.

The question is – where to next? You would be forgiven for presuming Max has plans up his sleeve, as the website states: ‘With the boys’ long-term roots in west London, it was always going to see Rubio begin its adventure close to home.’